Dispur, July 06: A special elephant who served as a Kumki elephant in the forest department for 34 years passed away on Sunday, and forest department staff bid tearful farewell to the elephant’s death.
Yes.. An elephant named Jaymala, who had rendered extraordinary service in Assam for 34 years, died tragically, and the entire Assam forest department is mourning the death of the elephant.
Jaymala was an integral part of the forest conservation of Kaziranga National Park. Carrying forest staff on patrols against poachers and participating in wildlife rescue operations were part of many operations of the forest department.
Apart from this, Jaymala’s life mission was to silently protect Kaziranga, one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world. Jaymala, one of the most renowned patrol elephants of Kaziranga National Park, passed away on Sunday after serving wildlife conservation for more than three decades, officials said on Sunday.
66-year-old Jaymala, who was suffering from a prolonged illness, breathed her last on Saturday night in the Naloni area of the park’s Agoratoli zone, officials said.
Assam Forest Minister Jayant Malla Barua paid tribute to Jaymala, describing her as “one of the greatest forest warriors” of Kaziranga. He said Jaymala symbolises the silent sacrifice of the patrol elephants who work shoulder to shoulder with forest staff to protect the park’s world-famous biodiversity.
“Jaimala was not just a patrol elephant. She was a trusted companion of generations of forest guards and mahouts who dedicated their lives to protecting Kaziranga. Her service and sacrifice will always be an inspiration to everyone associated with wildlife conservation,” said Barua.
Jaimala was looked after by veteran mahout Satyaban Pegu for most of her service. Later, she was entrusted with the responsibility of her care by Neelkhanta Koch. The two developed a close bond with Jaymala. Koch looked after her with immense love and care till the end.
Tearful farewell by staff:
Recognizing her exceptional service, Kaziranga National Park gave a ceremonial Guard of Honour to Jaymala during her funeral. Forest department staff paid their last respects to this loyal elephant who had protected the park’s wildlife for decades. The minister said that Jaymala’s life reflects the invaluable role that patrolling elephants play in the success of Kaziranga’s conservation.
In 2004, a stray tiger jumped on Jaymala during a patrol operation, which captured the world’s attention. The photograph that captured the moment went viral and became a symbol of the courage displayed by Kaziranga’s patrolling elephants and their mahouts.